Chronic opioid use might be associated with a lower risk of perioperative infection, according to a presentation at the American Academy of Pain's Annual Meeting.
Kaveh Nabavighadi, MD, of the Henry Ford Health System in Detroit, Mich., and colleagues examined data from the National Surgical Quality Improvement Project from 2006 to 2010 coupled with chronic opioid intake data. Researchers analyzed charts of 968 patients and found a statistically significant association between chronic opioid use and diabetes, nonemergent surgery, clean wound classification and American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status. Researchers also found a higher rate of infection in the group of patients that did not use opioids. However, researchers said more research needs to be done before opioids are used to protect against infection.
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Kaveh Nabavighadi, MD, of the Henry Ford Health System in Detroit, Mich., and colleagues examined data from the National Surgical Quality Improvement Project from 2006 to 2010 coupled with chronic opioid intake data. Researchers analyzed charts of 968 patients and found a statistically significant association between chronic opioid use and diabetes, nonemergent surgery, clean wound classification and American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status. Researchers also found a higher rate of infection in the group of patients that did not use opioids. However, researchers said more research needs to be done before opioids are used to protect against infection.
More Articles on Pain Management:
Study: Patient Movement an Accurate Indicator of Pain
Millennium Laboratories to Sponsor Physician Education at American Academy of Pain Medicine Annual Meeting
KY Senate Panel May Vote on Bill to Regulate Pain Clinics and Electronically Monitor Prescriptions Next Week